The end of semester is upon us and we can all feel it in our bones as all of these assignments are reaching deadline, including this campaign. With that said, here it goes, one of the last posts to remind you that you shouldn't stress to impress others - especially when it comes to your post graduation plans.

First of all, don't panic if you don't know what you want to do once you graduate, because you're still young. You're only 21, so don't rush yourself into accepting the first 9 to 5 job that you're offered - travel, work casual or part time, enjoy your freedom. If you're unsure about what you want to do, or if you have a few doubts, it's silly to tie yourself down into a full time job.

What's important, is that you keep your mind active. If you do decide to take things easy after uni, it's important to engage your mind with creative or strategic pursuits. So, take up new hobbies or activities that will not only challenge you but motivate you throughout the year.

Secondly, stop comparing yourself to other people. Okay, I'm guilty of doing it, and so is everyone. But it's important not to get so caught up in what your friends are doing - we're all different and everyone's time will come. You're your own person, so it's important to find out who you are, because if not you won't know what you want to be.

So travel. As seen in our previous blog post, you'll learn so much more about yourself than any full time job that you never really wanted (except for the fact that you hate doing what you're doing). One of the most important lessons you could learn from this, is to have guts. Because if you didn't, you may not be as confident when it comes to accepting that your dream career isn't what you planned it out to be.

Finally, don't stress if you don't know what you want to do, because you're not alone. What you need to understand is that you should take it easy on yourself! Every student and graduate is scared; entering the real world is something they never taught us at uni, especially how to survive the presses that will be placed on us. But, together, it's important to remember, that you're not deciding what to do with the rest of your life, but choosing what's the best next step for you.

Going to clubs/bars/events that involve drinking.

Getting dressed

Group work:

Been trying to land a job recently but you haven't been so successful? Don't worry, you're time will come, and perhaps they were signs that it wasn't the right fit for you in the first place. Interviews are seen as both a good and a bad thing: good in the sense that you're nearly there, bad in the sense that you haven't got a clue what to expect. But, here are some handy hints that will hopefully land you that confirmation call you've been waiting for!

Research.
We're pretty sure this is a given, but I've recently asked my employers at my agency what their biggest pet peeves are with interviews, and it's that candidates don't know enough about the brand, and it's obvious. For instance, apparently one interviewee came in and when asked about why they want to work with the agency, they answered with clients who they don't work for. Awkward. Therefore, when applying for creative industries, make note of their clients, their recent projects and their strategies.

Dress Appropriately.
Remember, as much as we hate to admit it, it only takes seven seconds for someone to make an impression, and in those seven seconds, we barely have time to open our mouths and say "Hi, it's nice to meet you". With that said, don't rock up looking like you're either going to Westfield or Pacha. Stay tuned for our next post to see some ideas of what to wear!

Show Off Your Communication Skills.
We're pretty sure it's in your resume, and your interviewer is looking at it right now: 'Strong Communication Skills'. During your interview, it's important to make a positive connection with the interviewer, so perfect that 'good handshake', maintain your eye contact, don't be afraid to smile, perhaps tell a joke and exude confidence - all of this works towards engaging the person you're speaking with, and they'll love you for it.

Talk Enough.
There's actually a balance that you need to make when in an interview, and that's knowing how to talk 'enough' (you don't want to talk too much or too little). So, with that being said that doesn't mean you give them two worded answers or a short story about your life. Make sure you're responsive with the questions your given and ensure that you've fully answered what has been asked. Don't rush into answering, it's okay to take a few seconds to think about it. Don't word vomit!

Ask Questions.
You know that part at the end of an interview when they're like "Do you have any questions?" yeah, I always found that bit a little bit awkward. Back in my earlier days of first applying for practically everything, I always replied with "no" which I always hated because it made me sound like I wasn't really interested in the company. So, some safe questions to ask include:

I feel like everyone around me knows what they want to be in their life. A financial manager, an accountant, an economist… but what do I want to be? Well I’m not exactly sure yet. As you can see, I’m currently studying a degree at university that’s the first in it’s kind, and as much as I am thankful for being given this opportunity to be one of the first holders to graduate with this degree under my belt, I just don’t know if I’m doing what I want to do. Ever since high school, people have told me the benefits of doing certain degrees, and maybe it’s because I was easily persuaded and quite sensitive to people’s opinions, I shifted my entire aspirations in that short period of time (the day when we received our ATARs to the final preference days) to suit someone elses dreams for me.

These were the people who only wanted what’s best for me, yet ignored what I thought was best for me. I guess it’s hard because people say that these people are the ‘the ones that will tell you the truth’, and to understand that at young naïve age of 17, that my aspirations weren’t going to get me a solid job in the future, was quite disheartening. Especially if you were in my position, the youngest sibling to older and exceptional achieving siblings, (I guess you could say I silently always compared myself to them, and seeing how happy my parents were, made me want to make them happy like that too.)

But after powering through an entire year doing a combined degree in Business, I transferred into a university where I was pulled out of my comfort zone and challenged in a way I didn’t know could have impacted me so easily. So right now, yes, I’m still doing a special sort of business degree, but is it what I really want to do? I think it’s hard to answer questions like that – just like those questions in interviews where they ask, ‘tell us about yourself’ and all you manage to come out with is that you’re __ years old, studying a degree in ____... and that always makes me wonder, ‘are we defined by what we do?' Because what if we want to do a lot of things? Are we not allowed to pursue them? This is right beside the other thing I wonder about – ‘you don’t look like a business student’ (what does that even mean?!) Does the choice that we make when we are only 17 define who we are and who we can be? Throughout my two years of university experience, I have put myself out there into the events industry, thirsty to get as much knowledge I can, whether it be in the fashion scene or getting involved in a cultural festival, and each and every time I loved it and it has taught me so much about myself. Alongside that, rather than procrastinating by watching TV shows online, or gaming, I spend hours on end looking at online design portfolios or playing around with photoshop. And maybe it’s my inner fangirl coming through, but a singer that I admire a lot once said, “do what you like, love what you do” and it made me realize something…

I’m a girl with a lot of interests, and a lot of ambition to make something out of myself, I understand I am young, and probably ‘confused’ but I know for a fact I need some clarity… to truly find what makes me happy, so it has come to me, at the end of 2014, that theworld is our oyster, and we all just need some time to explore it.

[This blog was written by a Business student currently studying at the University of Technology, Sydney]

Travelling is really the food for the soul, and whilst I may not be as 'well travelled' as most people, I've sourced the Internet and found four of the most challenging and rewarding places to travel to on your own.

1. India
I believe, that India is the perfect place to challenge yourself. If you're not sure what you want out of life, or who you are, then the best place to find out these answers is in India. Why? Because India is not for the faint hearted. At first it'll be intense and somewhat overwhelming: the weather or the millions of people may surprise you at times, but, what most films have taught me, is that underneath it all is a beautiful culture like no other. The country is massive, meaning you won't find yourself with nothing to do. Perhaps go to the Indian Himalayas in the north for some quiet meditation and self discovery or visit the tea fields and embrace the aroma. It's up to you.

2. New York City

You're probably thinking 'ugh so cliche' but there's just something about this big city that just demands thinking about the 'bigger picture'. Surrounded by culture, business and the hustle and bustle of the locals, New York will teach you self confidence and independence. How? Perhaps visit MoMA or various other art galleries by yourself. Explore the city's neighbourhoods like Brooklyn Heights or Greenwich Villiage and remember you found it on your own. Or meet new people along the way and network. If you can make it in the big city, you can make it anywhere.

3. Kyoto
What used to be the capital city of Japan as well as the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1868, Kyoto has managed to create a balance between history and modernity. The city is the fourth largest in the country, so how about save some time during your trip to Japan to visit Kyoto. Here you'll find countless shrines and temples as well as other historical structures. Sure, you may not be religious, but these shrines demand contemplation and meditation - perhaps think about how you can better yourself as a person, or career wise and what you want out of life.

4. Machu Pichu
South America is famous for its nature, so if you ever find yourself in the area, make sure you make time for Peru's Machu Pichu. Especially if you're a fitness freak because hiking there is something that everyone should do when in their 20s (because you know, we're meant to be "fit" oops). It's Inca Trail trek is notorious for being a challenge as it lasts a few days (you can go for a two day hike or even a seven day if you're that fit). You're forced to immerse yourself with nature, so it will challenge you not only physically but mentally. However, once you reach the temples, the terraces and the historic baths, it'll all feel worth it in the end.

Say what? You heard us! Week 12 only means two things: end of semester is nearly on its way! And, exams and assignments cockblock that exist. Here are some fun suggestion that are proven to work and help ease the stress you might face not only during the last sem, but throughout life. #deep #meaningful

Throw some punches.
With that being said that by no means that you should resort to physical violence. Grab a pillow, a punching bag or even take up boxing at the gym - taking out all of your pent up stress is exactly what you need and physical aggression is an easy way to do it.

Take a Nap
So, while naps might not accomplish much in terms of productivity, sometimes what you need is to feel refreshed after a long hard day. When you wake up from a nap, you feel recharged and motivated to finish that assignment (you may say 'shit, why did I take that nap? - but you still won't regret it). It's important to keep it short and sweet so don't leave it to a 2 hour sleep okay?

Blow Balloons

When you're stressed, everyone will always say 'take slow breaths' but that's boring. That's why balloons are fun. If you can't be bothered heading down to a gym to release some physical aggression, a balloon will help you relieve the stress by encouraging you to breath slower and deeper. Blowing balloons also reduces your heart rate and relaxes your muscles.

Have Sex.
(Lol, I can't believe I just suggested this). Having a bit of physical intimacy is an easy and fun way to reduce stress. Whether you're with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend with benefits, kissing releases happy chemicals in the brain as well as lowering your blood pressure. It also, boosts your self esteem and burns a few calories.

Welcome to our second installment of our easy peasy lemon squeezy lunchtime series where you should save the over-achieving at work. You know what I mean, with the emergence of #foodporn, flatlays and Masterchef, us Aussies want to eat well. Here's a quick and easy savoury dish that will not only impress your friends, but also take the stress away from you when you're trying to figure out what to eat for lunch! Introducing: White Chocolate and Raspberry Ricotta Jaffles.

What you need:

60g fresh ricotta

20g white chocolate, chopped

2 slices of white bread

butter

2 tablespoons of frozen raspberries

and icing sugar to make it a little bit fancy

And then...

Preheat a jaffle maker (or a sandwich maker if you don't have one) while you combine the ricotta and chocolate in a small bowl

Spread one side of each bread with butter. Place a slice, butter-side down, in the preheated jaffle maker. Add in the ricotta mixture and spinkle your raspberries, ensuring there's an equal distribution of berries inside (to avoid the awkward silence of 'where's the berries?').

About the Author

Hi I'm Niki and I'm currently on the pursuit of a graduation certificate at university. But it isn't as easy as that. Balancing assignments and part time work, as well as casual work on the weekends it's enough to drive me crazy - when you couple that up with every day stresses I could be the next Amanda Bynes. But I won't! I'm just a normal human, who loves to sleep, party and eat. I'm not a professor or Shae Mitchell (if only). I'm just one of you guys, who's trying to find my way in this world.

About the Campaign

If Don't Stress to Impress were to be renamed, it would be 'Let's not give a shit'. But, because it's for an assignment, we had to ditch the latter. Don't Stress to Impress is the ultimate guide to just that - offering advice and do-able tips on how to handle life stresses as we enter the 'real world' outside the uni bubble. Whether it be work, study relationship, health & lifestyle related - this campaign has you covered.